The Naze Management BoardNotes

3rd May 2018Item Action By

1) Welcome and Introductions

AttendeesIan Davidson ID Tendring District Council (Chair)Martyn Knappett MBK Tendring District CouncilDamian Williams DW Tendring District CouncilMichelle Nye-Brown MNB Naze TowerJennie Wilkinson JW Tendring District CouncilAbby Bumstead AB Essex Wildlife TrustMark Broome MB Essex Wildlife TrustLisa Smart LS Essex Wildlife TrustChristine Berton CB Essex Wildlife TrustMike Finney MF Miles Water EngineeringCllr. Nick Turner NT Tendring District CouncilCllr. Mark Platt MP Tendring District CouncilCllr Delyth Miles DM Tendring District CouncilCllr. Terry Allen TA Frinton & Walton TownDavid Eagle DE Land OwnerIan Taylor IT Tendring District CouncilJames Ennos JE Tendring District CouncilEmma Haward EH Tendring District CouncilCharlotte Cooper CC Tendring District CouncilJohn Lindsay JL Environment AgencyLeon Woodrow LW Tendring District Council

2) Apologies for absence

Apologies received: None

3) Minutes from previous meeting/matters arising

Minutes from previous meeting agreed.ID discussed meeting with the Director of Environment Agency at the East Anglian Working Group.ID - Recent LGA report had a positive outcome and the only criticism received was that we do not tell our story well enough.NT requested an update regarding loss of beach level at the end of the Crag walk referring to page 2 of previous NMB minutes. JW confirmed that the crag walk would need be extended to prevent erosion in future and that a temporary solution was in hand to address the drop from the steps. (EH to include this as a future item on the next NMB agenda)

EH

4) The Naze Education & Visitor Centre – review of progress to date and future plans

EWT highlighted visiting figures from the past year relating to school visits as;67 school groups (21 primary schools and 46 secondary schools) equating to 5299 children. 10 groups visited between January and March. 64 groups have been booked for the summer. In 28, EWT are looking at 92 groups visiting in total. EWT predict an increase in figures for this coming year. M confirmed that pupils had revisited with families also further afield.

CB confirmed that the Facebook page received more likes on a weekly basis. ID suggested contacting BBC Essex for opportunity. MBK suggested a joint promotion between EWT and Naze Tower.

CB

The Naze Management BoardNotes

3rd May 2018

5) Practical Management Arrangements

JW confirmed that there were no extra regulations regarding the use of the beacon and will work with EWT to fill in application to fulfil event on 11th November.MP confirmed that he is very pleased to be given the opportunity to light the beacon and is working on an event encompassing everyone.IT – payment to come to EWT regarding car park, a meeting will be held following NMB where hardstanding parking will be arranged, more parking will be available in 2019. DM raised the concerns of residents regarding the conditions of the car park. IT - the car park used to be partially closed in winter which is now no longer possible as a result of the EWT centre being in operation. This winter opening combined with increased visitor numbers has led to a deterioration of the condition of the car park because the most used section is of an unbound material that does not stand up to prolonged use in wet weather. There is currently no budget for the necessary work to remedy this but a further meeting has been arranged after the NMB to discuss this and to seek a way forward.DM suggested that it would be worth revisiting the smaller car park. ID discussed that this would not cater for coaches and buses. IT – the smaller car park could not be restored both for the reasons given and the fact the car park is now required to open all year.MNB also raised a query about the current design of the car park, noting that the posts that have been installed make it more difficult for the cars to enter and exit the car park.IT explained that another meeting has been called and there are plans to have more available parking by next year.MBK noted that although people may have been turning away from the carpark, the carpark itself was still very full, calling the scheme a victim of its own success.MNB also asked for a sign to be taken down as it is looks scruffy and serves no purpose. IT agreed this would be done.DE said that he has recently been approached and asked to consider bringing the Classic Car Show to the Naze. IT confirmed that this was not an ideal site due to practicality.

IT

6) Flood and Erosion – north east corner/north point

ID thanked Councillor Turner for all of his commitment and hard work put into the project which had now come to fruition after years of work.

Councillor Turner then thanked all of the involved individuals and organisations for their co-operation and patience throughout the project.DE explained that there will come a time in future when the wall will need to be armoured.JE explained that the programme will take 14 weeks to complete.Queries were raised regarding the walkway whilst the works were underway. It was explained that the footpath will be off-limits whilst the works are ongoing, but there are always alternative routes available.Cllr. Turner raised the issue of photography. It was agreed that pictures of the projects progress will be taken regularly.YEP document, 25 year plan to improve the environment, by Michael Gove and North Essex Conservation 21:

EH

The Naze Management BoardNotes

3rd May 2018

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan

MF – excavator arriving 4th May to start cutting first sod. MF also highlighted the location of the new embankment joining with existing embankment. Information notices are to be placed to inform pedestrians and provide alternative routes. ID will write to Anglian Water regarding the scheme inviting them to be a part of NMB.MBK – License to fly drone is ongoing although photos will be taken at key points of progress.

ID

7) Naze events EWT explained it has already experienced success with regards to events this year, for example the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Beach Clean Weekend.EWT then explained many other event ideas coming up later in the year, such as the kite flying, carnival weekend and Halloween events. EWT offer history and guided walks.EWT are involved now involved in the carnival committee to participate in the procession.Cllr. Turner mentioned the need to contact SkyArts to see if there is any interest in using the Naze for the Landscape Artist of the Year programme. WL to contact SkyArts.

WL

8) The Naze Tower update

MNB explained that in 2017, 56 school groups (41 secondary and 15 primary) visited the Naze Tower, equating to 3336 children.MNB also raised an issue regarding the fact that both the Naze Tower and EWT organise educational days, and yet do not offer overlapping experiences. EWT and the Tower agreed to collaborate. DM congratulated EWT and the Tower for positive feedback she had received from residents.Events Programme:

9) Any Other Business IT raised the issue of accessibility – centre needs to become

more accessible, need for wheelchair storage / accessibility. Potential to link with the Naze to store wheelchairs to cater for all visitors.

IT also confirmed that the play facility is to be completed on the Bathhouse Meadow area.

DE raised concerns for bird breeding areas at Stone Point that have been disturbed by dogs previously. The area is now fenced off. GeoEssex looking to install an ‘iceage’ garden (i.e. a 10m*2m trench). ID explained he would like more information on the matter, and for the proposal to come forward.

It was discussed that the Naze Protection Society are electing more committee members. If there are any interests in this,

The Naze Management BoardNotes

3rd May 2018then please contact Michelle / David.

MBK queried EWT on the proposed ‘megalodon’ sculpture. EWT stated they were in touch with a local artist and will give an update at next board meeting - timescale unknown.

DM raised concerns regarding the public lavatory. MBK confirmed that these would be demolished in due course.

10) Date of next meeting Thursday 28th June, 2:30pmThe Naze Centre, Walton-on-the-Naze CO14 8LE